Bill Summary
This resolution expresses the Senate's position that the United States should officially recognize the 1994 genocide in Rwanda specifically as "the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda." It cites various statements and actions from international bodies, U.S. officials, and human rights organizations, all acknowledging that the genocide primarily targeted the Tutsi ethnic group. The resolution emphasizes the importance of using precise terminology to combat genocide denial and revisionism and highlights the need to acknowledge the broader context of violence that occurred during this period, including the suffering of other groups such as Hutus and the Indigenous Twa community. Ultimately, the resolution calls for the Secretary of State to affirm this terminology and for a clear historical account of the events.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution recognizing the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as "the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda" could affect people:
1. **Educational Impact**: The resolution could lead to increased awareness and education about the specific nature of the genocide. Schools and universities may incorporate this terminology into their curricula, promoting a clearer understanding of the events that transpired in Rwanda. This could help prevent historical revisionism and denial, fostering a more accurate collective memory among students and the general public.
2. **Support for Survivors and Communities**: By officially recognizing the genocide against the Tutsi, the U.S. government may provide a platform for Rwandan survivors and communities to receive acknowledgment and support. This recognition can help validate their experiences and struggles, encouraging international aid and support initiatives focused on healing, rebuilding, and preserving the memory of the victims.
3. **Influence on International Relations**: The resolution could impact U.S. diplomatic relations with Rwanda and other countries. By affirming the terminology, the U.S. may strengthen its relationship with the Rwandan government and its citizens, potentially leading to enhanced cooperation on various issues such as trade, security, and human rights. Conversely, it may also influence the U.S.'s stance in international discussions about genocide prevention and human rights advocacy globally.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 151 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 151
Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should
recognize the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as ``the genocide against the
Tutsi in Rwanda''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 1 (legislative day, March 31), 2025
Mr. Rounds (for himself and Mr. Coons) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should
recognize the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as ``the genocide against the
Tutsi in Rwanda''.
Whereas, in 2018, the United Nations General Assembly amended the title of the
annual observance of the genocide in Rwanda on April 7 to be the
``International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
in Rwanda'';
Whereas United States officials have noted publicly that the genocide in Rwanda
was ``intended to destroy Tutsi'';
Whereas, on April 7, 2023, Secretary of State Blinken stated, ``The U.S. stands
with Rwanda . . . in remembering the Tutsi victims of genocide. We also
mourn the others who were murdered for their opposition to a genocidal
regime.'';
Whereas the United States Integrated Country Strategy for Rwanda (approved March
14, 2022) refers to the ``1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic
group'';
Whereas Rwandan officials, in appropriately opposing genocide denial or
revisionism, aptly note that any nomenclature that does not specifically
use the phrase ``genocide against the Tutsi'' is ``ambiguous'' and
conducive to genocide denial or revisionism;
Whereas the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum notes in its public
educational materials on the ``genocide in Rwanda'' that the victims
were ``predominantly Tutsi'' and that the goal of Hutu extremist leaders
was for ``Rwandan Tutsis to be exterminated'';
Whereas the United States-based nongovernmental organization Human Rights Watch,
which played a central role in documenting the genocide in Rwanda and in
supporting international efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,
found that the ``Tutsi were being targeted for elimination'';
Whereas European diplomats refer to the ``genocide against the Tutsi'' in public
statements;
Whereas, starting in 2022, the Government of the United Kingdom has used the
terminology ``genocide against the Tutsi''; and
Whereas the United States is the only major country in the world to publicly
reject the terminology ``genocide against the Tutsi'': Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
(1) the United States should recognize the 1994 genocide in
Rwanda as ``the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda'';
(2) the Secretary of State should publicly affirm that
terminology; and
(3) other types of atrocities occurred alongside the
genocide against the Tutsi, and the history of the genocide
should clearly affirm the other experiences of mass violence
against Rwandans during the same period, including the killings
and other violence experienced by Hutus and the Indigenous Twa
community, perpetrated by Hutu extremist militias.
<all>